Things to do in Budapest during the Christmas holiday, from mid November to early January: Advent fairs, crafts markets, Christmas concerts and shows, foods and drinks to try, and winter indoor and outdoor fun in the Hungarian capital.
Christmas Market and Light Painting at Stephens Basilica
Every evening from 5:30 pm, the basilica’s façade will be illuminated by a breathtaking light show. On select nights, a captivating concert will set the stage for this visual spectacle.Meanwhile, explore the charming Christmas market. Discover handcrafted treasures, sip on warming mulled wine, and enjoy joyful ice skating. Marvel at the towering 12-metre Christmas tree, dazzling light projections, and a picture-perfect selfie spot.
Visit Lumina Park Budapest with Cruise on the Danube in December. This is the perfect festive programme for all generations. The Cruise and Lumina Light Park combined ticket includes skip the line entries to the Park featuring light installations. From the Dock on Margaret Island, your ticket includes an optional minibus (large golf cart) transfer. Marvel at the festive lights of Budapest, take amazing photos and may the fairy lights glow up your festive spirit! Prices start from €16 for children and €20 for adults for a 2 in 1 Christmas deal – a top choice in Budapest this winter.
Visit the iconic Hungarian Parliament
Discover the grandeur of the third-largest Parliament building in the world, the iconic Hungarian Parliament. Just a 5-minute stroll from the Basilica Christmas Market, you can admire its stunning architecture up close. Then hop on the Christmas Tram and enjoy a festive ride past the Parliament Building, travel along the Danube and get off at the elegant Art Nouveau Gresham Palace, home to a special Christmas market, a curated selection of luxury goods.
Amazing Lights at Budapest Christmas Evening Cruises
The jewel box of Budapest lights up 365 days a year, but it is particularly fitting for the Christmas spirit with its beautiful sights dotting the riverside of the Danube in the city.
Over two dozens of outstanding attractions can be seen from the evening – night boat tours. Some enjoy it with a festive dinner or drinks booked.
This winter, dive into a cinematic world of light and sound at Lumina Park Budapest, where iconic characters and magical realms come to life on Margaret Island, nestled beside Palatinus Bath. The programme is now bookable with sightseeing cruise. Perfect for families and individuals alike, Lumina Park offers a magical outdoor experience after dark.
Cosmic visit to Cinema Mystica
The new exhibition ‘MikroMakro’ invites visitors to discover the fluid connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm, blurring the lines between the microscopic world and the expansive universe. The innovative and artistic digital world of lights will be an unforgettable program. Capture the magic with your camera during your visit at Cinema Mystica Budapest’s MikroMakro Exhibition.
Rent & Skate on the Gigantic Ice Rink in Budapest City Park
The Ice Rink at Budapest’s City Park is beloved for its rich history, beautiful setting—framed by the magnificent architecture of the Ice Rink Palace and the nearby Vajdahunyad Castle—and its perfect blend of winter activities and relaxation options. It truly captures the essence of Budapest’s winter charm. Glide across the ice at Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink, Europe’s largest outdoor rink, then warm up in the thermal waters of the nearby Széchenyi Baths after your skate.
Winter Fun in Downtown Budapest with Festive Lights
Located just steps from the Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty tér, the Városháza Park Ice Rink is a festive haven featuring a delightful market. Glide across the ice next to Small Boulevard, while the 110-meter-long ice tunnel and rink help keep the holiday spirit alive.
Light Art Museum in Former Market Hall
The Light Art Museum Budapest is a pioneering space dedicated to experimental art with light. As one of the first museums in the world to focus on the collection, research, and exhibition of light-based artworks, it explores the intersection of art, science, and technology. The nearly 40 installations simultaneously interact with one another, forming distinct, miniature universes of their own.
Szechenyi Bath Winter Party
Budapest brings winter thrills and vibrant colours to your holiday season: add a Winter Pool Party to your Christmas plans in the city. Imagine a one-of-a-kind experience in outdoor thermal pools! Spaces are limited, so don’t forget your swimwear and a fun-loving spirit. Don’t forget the pre-New Year Bath Party in Szechenyi Baths on Dec 30, and the NYE Cruise party on Dec 31.
A Festive Stroll on Fashion Street
Discover Fashion Street, a pedestrian-only paradise with upscale shops, restaurants, and bars. During the holidays, the street is adorned with twinkling lights and a magnificent Christmas tree.
Budapest Great Market Hall indoor Christmas decorations
Come and get some nice winter snacks or hot drinks in Budapest Market Halls in December, where other culinary and cultural events await you to make your stay more memorable. December is one of the peak time visits in Budapest where the Christmas markets attract thousands of locals and tourists.
Get on the Christmas Tram
The nostalgia cable cars of the Funicular connect the winter Danube with the Buda Castle and fit the Christmas spirit with their old world charm. Get your free ride included in the Budapest Tourist Card: 72 Hours Plus only.
Amazing Lights at Budapest Christmas Evening Cruises
One of Budapest’s festive attractions is the Christmas Cogwheel, a charming historic cogwheel train that takes passengers through the Buda Hills. This 19th-century train operates during December, offering a unique way to experience the holiday season.
Take a Nostalgia Train in the Buda Hills
Get into nature in the Buda Hills of Budapest on the Forest Railway. The nostalgic journey on the forest railway through the Hills, offers a historic narrow gauge train ride in beautiful winter landscape, even if there is no White Christmas with snow. At Normafa, do pop into the restaurant for a warm cuppa and some nice dishes.
Smurfing around Budapest
Budapest’s ELTE Botanical Gardens will be transformed into a magical wonderland with the Garden of Lights exhibition. Starting October 18th, this immersive experience features a Smurf-themed light show, perfect for families and Smurf-fans.
Budapest Zoo’s Magical Light Dome 2
Immerse yourself in a breathtaking world of light and wonder at the Budapest Zoo’s Biodome between From November 6th until December 8th , the Biodome will transform into a captivating canvas for local and international light artists. his captivating showcase will feature stunning works by both local and international artists, all centered around the theme of nature, exploring its vast spectrum from the microscopic to the cosmic, including human interactions.
St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas in Budapest
Every afternoon from 5:30 PM, the basilica facade will be illuminated by a magnificent light show, and on certain days, visitors to the square can enjoy a high-quality musical concert before the show.
Vorosmarty Classic Xmas
Step back in time at the historic Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, Budapest’s oldest. Organized by the official city tourism office, Budapest Brand, this market offers a traditional festive experience. Wander through stalls filled with handcrafted treasures, sip on warm mulled wine, and ride the charming small railway. Marvel at the towering Christmas tree and immerse yourself in the real Advent atmosphere.
Fisherman’s Bastion Christmas Market Lights
Visit the Fisherman’s Bastion at Christmas
